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, The Tragedy of Montiville. 




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I 



The Tragedy of Montiville 


BY 

Zella Evans 

It 


PUBUSHED BY THE AUTHOR 
Fort Wayne, Indiana 


T'z.^ 


COPYRIGHT 190^1 
BY ZELLA EVANS 


UBBAHYof OONGftEssl 
I WO Copies rfeceiveu 

JUN 12 1905 

OLfuwmir uiiry 


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I copy B. 


Contents 


Chapter 


Page 

1 . 

The Fair Prisoner 

7 

11 . 

The Rivals - . - 

19 

111. 

Again Thwarted . - - 

25 

IV. 

The Gypsy’s Warning 

36 

V. 

The Unhappy Bride 

43 

VI. 

Attempted Crime - - - 

47 

Vll. 

The Hidden Door 

55 

Vlll. 

Kidnapped - - - - 

67 

IX. 

Feigned Friendship 

75 

X. 

The Rescue - - - 

80 

XI. 

The Fate of Justice 

95 



The Tradgedy of Montiville 


CHAPTER I 

THE FAIR PRISONER 

‘‘Well, Montiville, we may as well make 
ourselves as comfortable as possible upon 
the ground as we have evidently wandered 
too far in this dense forest to find our way 
out before daylight/' 

“Something better than what you pro- 
pose is in store for us, I hope. See that 
tiny speck of light in the distance? Let 
us see if we can not obtain shelter for the 
night," answered Count Massell. 

The two young men were college chums, 
out on a hunting trip in a forest, near their 
college town. Count Arthur Montiville and 
Count Massell were the scions of old French 
families and both were orphans. Monti- 
ville was the older of the two, rather short 
of stature, with dark hair and eyes, and 
rather morose in disposition. His friend 


The Tragedy of Montiville 


had a genial, happy manner, and was talh 
broad of shoulders, and the possessor of 
very winning, black eyes. 

Advancing toward the light they found 
themselves before a delapidated house. In 
response to their raps upon the door an 
old woman made her appearance after a 
short delay, and in a surly manner de- 
manded to know what was wanted. 

*‘We have lost our way while hunting 
and will be very grateful if you can give 
us shelter for the night. I am sure we will 
have no difficulty in finding our way out of 
the forest in the morning,'' said Count Mas- 
sell. 

‘'This is not an inn. I have no room 
for you," the old woman answered, as she 
prepared to close the door. 

“But we will pay you well for your 
trouble if you will take us in — and we can 
sleep anywhere," interceded Count Monti- 
ville, offering money as he spoke. 

The old woman's eyes gleamed at the 
sight of the money, and she finally allowed 
them to enter. She took them at once to 


8 


The Fair Prisoner 


a small room, containing nothing but a 
wretched bed and a chair. However, any- 
thing was better than lying in the woods 
all night. 

don't like the looks of that woman, 
Arthur," declared Massell; ''and I propose 
that we stay awake. There is no lock on 
this door and 1 believe there is something 
wrong about this place, any way." 

"I quite agree with you, Massell," an- 
swered his friend. 

Presently they heard stealthy footsteps. 
Massell opened the door noiselessly and 
discovered the woman who had admitted 
them, ascending a broken stairway, a lighted 
candle in her hand. Turning to his com- 
panion, Massell whispered, "You watch 
here; I am going to follow that woman 
and see what she does." 

He removed his shoes, that his footsteps 
might not be heard, and followed the woman 
to a front room, which she entered and 
locked. Massell listened at the door and 
heard her calling softly. A faint voice an- 
swered, "What is it?" 

9 


The Tragedy of Montiville 


I have let some strangers into the house 
and you must keep quiet until I tell you 
they have gone. They have paid rhe well 
or 1 wouldn’t have let them in.” 

‘‘Oh, why will you not let me go? I, 
too, will pay you well. 1 have plenty of 
money. Why do you keep me here? 1 
never did you any harm!” pleaded a voice 
that was wonderfully sweet to the listener. 

“Hush ” said the old woman in an angry 
manner. “ I shall not let you go, so you 
may just as well stop that. I am well paid 
to keep you here, and 1 don’t believe you 
have any money. Remember, not a sound 
from you, or you shall suffer for it.” 

Massell had barely reached his room 
when he heard the woman descending the 
stairs. He told his friend what he had 
heard. “I am going to rescue that poor 
girl at once,” he declared. 

“ But it will be much better to wait until 
morning,” Montiville remonstrated. “This 
affair may have a very different aspect by 
daylight. Better wait — ” 

“1 can not rest so long as that girl is 
10 


The Fair Prisoner 


penned in that room, and as soon as the 
old woman is asleep I intend to see her,'' 
declared Massell. 

Before long, he quietly opened the door 
and stepped into the hall. Groping his 
way toward the stairway, he had almost 
reached it when he suddenly heard a match 
struck and saw the old woman lighting a 
candle. She stared at him with a scowl. 

'' 1 have caught you ! What do you mean 
by prowling about my house in this way," 
she asked. 

'' I am seeking a drink of water. Madam," 
was the apparently unconcerned reply. 

''And was about to go upstairs to get 
it? A likely story, sir. But come this 
way and I will give you water, then you go 
to the room 1 gave you, and see that you 
do not leave it again 'till morning," said 
she, fiercely. 

When Montiville was told what had oc- 
curred, he said ''She probably heard 
what we have been saying and is on her 
guard. You had better let it go 'till morn- 
mg. 


II 


The Tragedy of Montiville 

'‘I will have to wait some time before 
trying again, but 1 am not going to give 
up,'' Count Massell asserted. 

Just before dawn he quietly slipped up 
the stairway without molestation and went 
directly to the room where the girl was 
kept. He tried the door and to his great 
surprise found that it was unlocked. He 
entered, and by the shadowy light of the 
coming dawn thoroughly searched the 
apartment, but to his chagrin found it 
empty. He returned to his friend with- 
out encountering anyone. 'H am sure that 
woman heard us and has removed the girl," 
said Massell. ''As soon as it is light enough 
let us search this place thoroughly. We 
must rescue the girl from that old hag. 1 
am sure she is beautiful, for her voice was 
very sweet." 

They sought the old woman and found 
her preparing breakfast. "We discovered, 
last night," began Massell, " that you are 
detaining a young girl in this place against 
her will. We intend to rescue her, so tell 
us at once where she is." 


12 


The Fair Prisoner 


The woman flushed angrily as she an- 
swered, ''You don't know what you are 
talking about. There is no one in the house 
but ourselves, nor has there been." 

"1 heard you talking to some one in an 
upper room last night, some one who begged 
vainly for her liberty. A short time after- 
ward I found the room empty." 

"Oh! you did!" the woman smiled cun- 
ningly. " But you found no one there ? 
That should prove to you that you had been 
dreaming." 

"No," said Count Massell, "on the con- 
trary it proved that you removed the girl 
to some other hiding place. Tell us at 
once where she is or we will compel you 
to." 

"I have told you the truth. Leave my 
house this minute. It is no affair of yours 
if I was keeping a dozen girls here." 

Before she suspected what he was about 
to do. Count Massell had her hands behind 
her and held her firmly in spite of her fierce 
resistance, while Count Montiville went in 
search of a rope. Finding one, they soon 
13 


The Tragedy of Montiville 


had her securely bound, and, leaving her 
upon the floor, searched the house, but 
found no one. Finally they appealed to 
the prisoner, promising her liberty and a 
large reward if she would reveal the girl's 
hiding place. 

*'You may kill me, but I will never tell," 
she declared, with a torrent of abusive 
language. 

They left her and returned to the upper 
room once more. The room was comfort- 
ably furnished, unlike the rest of the house. 
There were even a few pictures, and while 
looking behind one of these, hoping to find 
something that might give them a clue to 
help them in their search. Count Massell 
discovered a small brass knob. He pressed 
it cautiously, and to the astonishment of 
the two young men, a door swung open 
and revealed an emply space. They were 
about to step forward when to their horror 
they were confronted by a deep, black 
hole. ''My God!" cried Count Massell, 
"can it be possible the girl has been thrown 
into this hole? Then she must be dead." 


14 


The Fair Prisoner 


'‘Perhaps not,” answered his friend, "let 
us go downstairs and see if we can dis- 
cover where this hole leads to.” 

They finally decided upon the space that 
seemed to be directly beneath the opening 
above, then pounded upon the wall and 
called loudly. 

"Is there any one in there? We are 
your friends; answer.” 

A faint, weak voice answered joyfully. 
Count Massell asked how he could reach 
her, but the only word they understood 
was "elevator” — which sounded as if be- 
yond a wall. 

"She was taken down there on an ele- 
vator which is still down. We must find 
the way to raise it,” cried Count MasselL 
They hurried to the upper floor and searched 
for a means of raising the elevator. As 
Count Massell stumbled over a slight pro- 
jection in the floor and almost fell into the 
opening, there was a rasping noise below, 
and the friends stared with straining eyes 
into the blackness. Suddenly the floor 
covered that which had been a yawning 

15 


The Tragedy of Montiville 

black hole a moment before. 

''The elevator!'' cried Count Massell. 
"I am going down to get the girl. 1 will 
rescue her or die in the attempt." 

He saw that he had raised the floor by 
stepping upon a certain spot and believed 
it would descend by the same means . 
"When I whistle you must raise the ele- 
vator, Montiville. Now step upon that 
projection and let me down. ‘'Count Monti- 
ville complied with the request and Count 
Massell disappeared from sight. Arriving 
at the bottom it was some time before he 
could distinguish objects in the dim light. 
“Only a monster such as that old woman 
would imprison a human being in a hole 
like this," he muttered. 

No sound came from the girl, whom he 
presently perceived lying upon the ground 
in a corner. She had fainted. Count 
Massell took her in his arms and carried 
her to the elevator, then signalled Count 
Montiville to raise him. When he arrived 
at the room above he laid the unconscious 
girl upon the bed while his friend went in 


The Fair Prisoner 


search of a stimulant. He found a bottle 
of wine, with which he returned, finding 
Count Massell gazing enraptured upon the 
face of the girl. She was beautiful, though 
very white and delicate looking from her 
imprisonment. She soon revived and was 
able to sit up and tell her story. She had 
been a prisoner for over two years, suspect- 
ing that her cousin had placed her there, 
though she had not seen him since the day 
she had been spirited away from her home. 
Her parents had died when she was quite 
young and her cousin had always lived 
with them. The estate had been left to 
her absolutely, but upon her marriage it 
was to be divided between her and her 
cousin, but in case of her death her cousin 
was to inherit the whole estate. She con- 
cluded, ‘‘ My cousin proposed marriage to 
me, ‘so as to keep the estate intact', he 
said; but I did not care for him and told 
him so. And so 1 think that he had me 
shut up here in order to follow up some 
scheme to get the whole of the estate. 
Now, thanks to my brave rescuers, I shall 


The Tragedy of Montiville 


be able to thwart him/' 

The color was coming back to her face 
with the certainty that she was free once 
more. 

The old woman was untied and the three 
left the house. After walking several miles 
they reached a farm house where they ob- 
tained a conveyance. The two Counts took 
Mademoiselle Zelma Launtz to her home, 
and left her, after obtaining permission to 
call the next day. 


18 


The Rivals 


CHAPTER II 

THE RIVALS 

When the two friends left Mademoiselle 
Launtz at her home they returned to their 
rooms, but each felt that a great change 
had taken place in his life. Count Monti- 
ville had, from childhood, been accustomed 
to his own way in everything. He had not 
quite decided that he cared to love Made- 
moiselle Launtz, but he felt that he would 
have no difficulty in gaining her affections 
if he should so desire, but said nothing of 
his thoughts to his friend. Count Massell 
had no doubts concerning his feelings for 
the heroine of his forest adventure. He 
realized that he loved her with the first 
strong passion of his manhood, and that no 
difficulty could be so great that his love 
would not enable him to overcome, in order 
to win her for his wife. 

Count Montiville decided to be the first 


19 


The Tragedy of Montiville 

to call upon her, but Count Massell was 
before him. The servant, who opened the 
door, told him in answer to his inquiry 
that Mademoiselle Launtz was not in and 
that she had been from home for two years. 

'"But,'" said Count Massell, in surprise, 
‘‘1 brought her here yesterday. She must 
be at home, for she gave me permission to 
call today. Please tell her that Count 
Massell wishes to see her.’' 

''She is not here,” answered the servant. 
‘‘Monsieur Gerald Launtz lives here, but he 
is not in at present.” 

"Very well,” said Count Massell; "tell 
him 1 shall be here tomorrow at this time 
and that 1 must see him.” With a sinking 
heart he turned away. "What has befallen 
her?” he asked himself. "Has her cousin 
dared to harm her, to imprison her again? 
But I shall find her, and if my love can 
hold her she shall not leave me again.” 
He reproached himself for having allowed 
her to enter the house where her cousin 
resided, but she had seemed so brave that 
he had not feared for her safety. 

20 


The Rivals 


Count Montiville was also turned form 
the door when he called, and he felt a very 
distinct disappointment at not being able 
to see Mademoiselle Launtz. He at once 
suspected mischief on the part of Monsieur 
Gerald Launtz and resolved to assist the 
victim if it lay within his power. 

Count Massell was at the Launtz home 
the next afternoon, being admitted by the 
servant, who escorted him to a large, well 
furnished library, then left him, to inform 
Monsieur Gerald Launtz of his presence. 
He was absorbed in contemplation of a 
life sized portrait of Mademoiselle Launtz 
when the cousin entered. Count Massell 
turned at once and gazed at the man, en- 
deavoring to gain from his face some insight 
into his character, wondering if there was 
anything that would confirm his suspicions. 

Monsieur Gerald Launtz did not in any 
way resemble his fair cousin. He was tall 
and very thin; his light eyes were close 
together, constantly shifting their gaze, 
and his hands moved nervously. Count 
Massell decided that he was a mercenary 
21 


The Tragedy of Montiville 


villian, but weak in character, hiring others 
to accomplish his deeds for him. 

‘'What can I do for you?"' Monsieur 
Gerald Launtz began in a haughty way. 

“I am Count Albert Massell, and I am 
here to inquire concerning your cousin 
Mademoiselle Zelma Launtz. 

“ I am her cousin,"' was the defiant answer. 

“Yesterday," continued Count Massell, 
“I called here to see her, and your servant 
informed me that she had not been here 
for two years, which I know to be false, 
for I brought her here myself the day be- 
fore. I had found her in an old house 
where some villian had imprisoned her. 
Now Monsieur Launtz since you seem to be 
master here, you must know who comes and 
goes, and I look to you for an explanation 
as to her present whereabouts." 

“Count Massell, I am very sorry indeed 
to disappoint you. My cousin went abroad 
two years ago, and I have since learned 
died there. Some one has evidently im- 
personated my cousin and imposed upon 
your credulity." 


22 


The Rivals 


''No, I have not been imposed upon. 
That she told the truth I am convinced.'' 

"What did she tell you that makes you 
so positive?" 

"She told me that you had imprisoned 
her in the place in which I found her that 
you might gain possession of her fortune." 

Monsieur Launtz changed countenance, 
but answered with an angry scowl. "That 
is preposterous! I would not harm any 
woman. More, I loved my cousin and was 
anxious to marry her, but as I said before, 
she died abroad." 

"Do you still persist in declaring she is 
not here?" scowled Count Massell. 

"I do, sir; and now if your business with 
me is at an end, I will bid you good after- 
noon." 

"I can leave, but remember, 1 am de- 
termined to find Mademoiselle Launtz and 
will bring the villian who has harmed her 
to justice," concluded Count Massell, who 
then left to consult with a detective, with 
whom he was slightly acquainted, and 
known as the most expert in London. The 

23 


The Tragedy of Montiville 


detective intently listened to Count Mas- 
seirs story, who concluded by suggesting 
that the house be searched. 

'‘Not yet.'' said the detective, thought- 
fully. "You must watch your man, let 
him or his hirelings furnish you the clue, 
then you are not so likely to make a mis- 
take. Think the matter over; circum- 
stances alter cases, you know." 

Count Massell decided to follow the ad- 
vice. He also decided to give his sole 
time to the watching of Monsieur Gerald 
Launtz. 


24 


Again Thwarted 


CHAPTER III 

AGAIN THWARTED 

Mademoiselle Launtz found a great change 
in her home. The servant who admitted 
her was a stranger and she did not see a 
familiar face. She asked to see her cousin, 
who was dumbfounded when he saw her. 
“My God! you here!"' he cried. 

“Yes, Monsieur Gerald, I am in my own 
home once more. But you do not seem 
very glad to see me after my long absence.’' 

“I certainly am,” he affirmed, surily. 
“ I did not know you were coming and have 
been taken by surprise. Your room is 
just as you left it. Would you like to go 
to it now?” 

“Not just yet. Monsieur Gerald, for I 
wish to talk to you first. Everything is 
changed here as though I was not mistress 
any longer. Why have you not searched 
for me?” Her cousin stood mute — she 


25 


The Tragedy of Montiville 


continued, ‘'You need not speak. Indeed, 
I can answer for you. You felt that you 
might do as you pleased here since you had 
me put out of the way and you never thought 
that I could escape from that horrible old 
woman. Not satisfied with the half of my 
father's estate, you go to extremes, even 
take criminal means to get it all. I never 
thought you would stoop to murder for 
money; yes, murder me, your own cousin, 
to get what does not belong to you. Shame 
on you!" 

“Why Mademoiselle, dear, your mind 
must be wandering. I have searched faith- 
fully for you and should have gone to you 
at once had I known where you were." 

“My mind wandering! Well, Monsieur, 
it is not your fault that 1 am not insane 
and I should have been so had I remained 
much longer in that wretched place. Now 
you must leave my home, the home of my 
parents, who loved and trusted you and 
whose kindness you have requited so ig- 
nobly. Leave my home, I repeat, and 
never enter it again." 

26 


Again Thwarted 


shall be war between us since you 
wish it so” answered her cousin, with a 
menacing look. ''1 am sure that it would 
be easy to convince anyone that you are 
insane, but there are other ways to manage 
you.’' He pressed a button and his valet 
appeared. 

''You cowardly villian!” Mademoiselle 
Zelma cried. "1 am no more insane than 
you. You would have killed me long ago 
had you dared. J^ot one penny of my 
father’s estate shall you enjoy!” 

"Ah, dear cousin, don’t be too sure that 
1 do not finally get all of it.” 

The whispered conversation which he 
held with his valet frightened Mademoiselle 
Zelma and she decided to leave the house 
and secure assistance. She regretted that 
she had not asked her rescuer to remain 
with her throughout the interview with 
her cousin. She had taken but a few steps 
when she was grasped by the strong arms 
of the valet and forced into a chair. She 
was unable to call for help, as her cousin’s 
hand was on her mouth. She struggled 

27 


The Tragedy of Moniiville 


vainly but was soon tied to the chair. 
''Now, who is master here?"' said her cousin, 
tauntingly. He called his valet to him, 
who saturated a cloth with chloroform and 
placed it over her face. Mademoiselle 
Zelma was soon unconscious and was 
carried to a room in the basement of the 
house, where she was confined a few days, 
then again chloroformed, carried to a cab, 
the valet as driver and Gerald as the attend- 
ant to the unconscious girl. They drove 
along a lonely road until they reached the 
river, then drove along its banks for some 
miles until they came to a large building, 
the rendezvous of a band of robbers, with 
whom Monsieur Gerald was in league, 
where they placed their victim, locked the 
room, and left her in charge of a negress. 
When Mademoiselle Zelma gained conscious- 
ness she realized that she was a prisoner 
once more. "Oh! my God, will this never 
end?'' she moaned, as she threw herself 
upon the bed from which she had arisen in 
agony of weeping. 

Attracted by her moans, the negress 
28 


Again Thwarted 

entered the room. '‘Here am some lunch, 
Lady,'" said she, setting a tray of food 
before her victim. 

“I don't want anything. I want to get 
out of this place. Please let me out!" 

“I can't do dat, honey. I doesn't dare. 
De boss put you heah and 1 has to do jes 
what he tells me. I is awful sorry foh you, 
'deed I is." 

Mademoiselle Zelma found that she could 
not induce her keeper to free her and in 
despair abandoned the attempt. Three 
weeks after Monsieur Gerald Launtz came 
to see her. 

Meantime Count Massell and the detective 
had not been idle, yet in spite of their 
watchfulness Monsieur Gerald Launtz had 
succeeded in removing his victim without 
detection. He had been followed to many 
places, the rendezvous of criminals, but 
their efforts were fruitless. Count Monti- 
ville also took an active interest in the case 
and he and count Massell acknowledged 
to each other that they loved Mademoiselle 
Zelma, making a compact that they should 

29 


The Tragedy of Moniiville 


work in harmony, and not cease until they 
had accomplished the object of their search, 
when the heroine was to decide as to whom 
she wished to give her heart and hand. 
Count Montiville was determined that he 
would be the first to find her and at the 
moment of his triumph plead his case with 
her, sure of his success. Count Montiville 
did not care so much for Mademoiselle 
Zelma as he did for her wealth. His for- 
tune had been nearly all wasted and her 
wealth assured a restoration of his fortunes. 
He reasoned that the title he could give 
her would be a recompense for any 
sacrifice that she would be compelled to 
make in a financial way. She was cul- 
tured and beautiful, and he knew would 
make an ideal wife and bear her title with 
dignity. Without the knowledge of Count 
Massed he employed a Mexican, Nanippe, 
to assist him in the search. Nanippe was 
a friend of Monsieur Gerald Launtz’ coach- 
man, who fortunately could give no infor- 
mation. The Mexican then attempted to 
secure a position as servant in Monsieur 


Again Thwarted 

Gerald Launtz' household, but again was 
unsuccessful. 

Count Montiville's actions soon aroused 
Count Masseirs suspicions. He dreaded 
to doubt his friend but determined to put 
him to the test. feel as though some- 
thing is going to happen tonight,'’ said 
he. ''You had better accompany me, 
for there may be some fighting and you 
know that two is better than one — " 

"1 can't do it, Massell. It is impossible. 
1 think that I will abandon this search, 
for the girl is merely a 'will o' the wisp' any 
way." 

"I'm sorry," said Massell, "but Made- 
moiselle is no myth to me." 

"I wish you well," said Count Monti- 
ville. 

Count Massell thanked him for his good 
wishes and soon after discovered that his 
false friend was following him. Entering 
his rooms, he shortly after left them in 
the rear of the building, in disguise. On 
the street he met Count Montiville and 
the Mexican, but was not recognized. " Ah,"^^ 

31 


The Tragedy of Montiville 


he muttered, ''you say you have abandoned 
the search, then follow me. My friend, 
I shall follow you and your fierce looking 
companion.” 

He watched them gaze into a saloon, 
then withdrew to a nearby alley. Massed 
had seen Monsieur Launtz in the place 
and from the actions of Count Montiville 
he began to suspect that he had become 
a party to the plot. In a short time Mon- 
sieur Launtz came out of the saloon and 
after looking about him walked rapidly 
away. Count Montiville and the Mexican 
following at a safe distance. Count Mas- 
sed followed them to the river, then along 
its banks to a large house, which Mon- 
sieur Launtz entered. Soon after Count 
Montiville and the Mexican tried the door, 
but as it was locked they went to the op- 
posite side of the building and Count Mas- 
sed lost sight of Count Montiville and the 
Mexican. After waiting a few moments. 
Count Massed found a window which he 
raised. Climbing through the window he 
found himself in a small hallway with a 

32 


Again Thwarted 


stairway at the opposite end which he fol- 
lowed and found led to a room, from 
which a faint light came through the key 
hole. He heard the sound of voices, 
followed by a scream and he recognized 
it as Mademoiselle Zelma's, intermingled 
with a cry for help. He threw his whole 
weight against the door, which gave way. 
He had no more than burst into the room 
when the opposite door was broken open 
and Count Montiville and the Mexican 
came tumbling into the room. Each stared 
at the other in surprise, and as Monsieur 
Gerald Launtz turned to escape the Counts 
Montiville and Massed rushed upon him, 
threw him to the floor, then bound him 
securely. In the struggle. Count Massed 
lost his disguise and Mademoiselle Zelma 
rushed to him and threw her arms about 
his neck in an abandonment of gratitude. 

The rescue had been timely, for Mon- 
sieur Gerald Launtz was about to murder 
his victim for refusing to execute the 
papers he had prepared conveying to him 
the whole of her estate. ''Save me from 

33 


The Tragedy of Montiville 


that man!'’ she repeatedly pleaded, as she 
gazed in terror at her cousin, who gazed 
at her in impotent anger. 

''Have no fear," replied Count Massed, 
as he tenderly placed his arm about her. 
"I will protect you with my life. I have 
searched for you these many weeks and 
now at last I have found you. Count 
Montiville and myself entered into a com- 
pact regarding you. We both love you 
and we believe you could love one of us. 
If you can, decide whom you can love 
and the other will release all claims for 
your affections." 

Mademoiselle Zelma gazed from one to 
the other in surprise, then turned to Count 
Montiville and said with a pretty flush 
upon her face, " I thank you very sincerely, 
sir, for your kind interest in me, but I do 
not love you. 1 have loved your friend 
from the first moment I saw him." 

"Very well," said Count Montiville, 
crestfallen. "You have given your de- 
cision, but 1 fear you may have cause to 
regret it. 1 consider that Count Massed 

34 


Again Thwarted 


has taken an unfair advantage of me by 
giving me no chance to speak for myself/' 
He then left the place accompanied by 
the man, Nanippe. 

Count Massed and Mademoiselle Zelma 
followed soon after, assuring Monsieur 
Gerald that they would send an officer 
to take him in charge. They were very 
happy, and as they left the desolate place, 
Miss Zelma gave a cry of joy. 

''Zelma, my darling," said Count Mas- 
sed, " I cannot allow you to leave me 
again. As you are in constant danger we 
must be married at once that I may pro- 
tect you. Do this and I shad be the 
happiest man on earth." 

"I will, Albert, since you so desire it. 
I am sure my cousin will be afraid to hurt 
me when I have you to protect me." 

They went to Mademoiselle Zelma's 
home, then to the residence of a clergy- 
man, where they were married. That 
evening they left the city and a few days 
later left for the Bosphorus. 


35 


7 he Tragedy of Montiville 


CHAPTER IV 

THE gypsy's warning 

Count Montiville waited in vain for 
Count Massell to return to his rooms 
after their rescue of Mademoiselle Zelma. 
The next day he went to her home, for 
he had not despaired of winning her, but 
found that she was not there. Later, he 
learned of the marriage and of their de- 
parture from the country. He was greatly 
chagrined, for he was not accustomed to 
being thwarted in anything. When he 
found that he had lost the girl he so 
ardently desired, he determined to marry 
the young girl whom he had at one time 
paid much attention, for he did not wish 
Count Massell to know that he was dis- 
appointed. He soon called upon the girl 
whom he determined to marry. Madem- 
oiselle Cecelia Romaine, and asked her, 
with no protestations of love, to marry 

36 


The Gypsy s Warning 


him. She hestiated, but finally give an 
affirmative answer to his question. She 
wondered why he said nothing about love, 
but decided that it was just his way of 
proposing. She was quite sure he loved 
her and she knew that she loved him very 
much. 

Mademoiselle Cecelia was the eldest of 
three sisters, all beautiful, tall blonds. 
Their father was quite wealthy and as 
Mademoiselle Cecelia was the first of his 
daughters to be married, he decided that 
no expense should be spared to make the 
wedding a grand affair. 

At last the day came in all its splendor. 
All nature smiled, but the most beautiful 
of all was Mademoiselle Cecelia herself, 
seated beneath the trees of her father's 
grounds early in the morning. Suddenly 
an old woman came hobbling to her and 
said, as she extended her hand, ''Lady, 
let me tell your fortune. 1 have been 
watching you here for some time and would 
like to give you a warning. 1 can tell you 
something of great importance." 

37 


The Tragedy of Montiville 


Mademoiselle Cecelia smiled at the old 
woman and extended her hand, ''Yes, 
do tell me. Only good is in store for me, 
for I am very happy today."' 

"Ah, no! Mademoiselle; I see a great 
sorrow before you, but you can avoid it. 
The man you are about to marry loves 
another." 

Mademoiselle Cecelia turned pale. "No! 
No! Woman! He loves me alone. Go 
away; do not try to poison my thoughts 
of him. I will not permit an old woman's 
croaking to disturb me. A few short 
hours and I shall be the wife of the man I 
love and who loves me." 

" But dear lady, do not marry him. 
You will be very sorry if you do. You 
do not know his nature. As his wife I 
see you in a room where you are a prisoner, 
and you are weeping. Pause, 1 implore 
you." 

"Go away, woman, or you will drive 
me mad. I do not believe one word you 
say. I love him with all my heart and 
shall marry him," answered Mademoiselle 

38 


7 he Gypsy's Warning 


Cecelia, bravely, yet in spite of herself 
a foreboding of evil entered her mind and 
all the day her thoughts kept recurring 
to the warning the Gypsy had given her. 

She decided not to mention the matter 
to anyone, but when Count Montiville 
arrived she spoke of it almost at once. 
‘'Oh, Arthur, tell me, do you really love 
me, or do you love another?'’ 

“Why, Mademoiselle," he answered, “you 
surely know that I love you. Why do 
you speak so strangely? You have been 
crying, too, and this our wedding day." 

“Dear Arthur, if you knew what I have 
heard today, you would understand. I 
was told that you had no love for me at all." 

Count Montiville stood with his arm 
about her as he listened to her words. 
A frown of annoyance appeared upon his 
brow, and he smiled sarcastically; but 
Mademoiselle Cecelia with her head upon 
his shoulder was unconscious of anything 
but her lover's assurance of fidelity. “In 
a few hours we shall be husband and wife, 
Cecelia, and we must not permit an old 

39 


The Tragedy of Montiville 


Gypsy's foolish words to cast a shadow 
upon this day," said he. 

''I will not, Arthur, think about it any 
more," she replied, cheerfully. 

Count Montiville kissed her with the 
assurance that she was the only woman 
he had ever loved, and she was satisfied. 
When the time for the ceremony arrived 
she had succeeded in forgetting the Gypsy's 
words, but as she was about to enter the 
church, a voice near her whispered softly^ 
''Turn back before too late. You will 
regret this step." 

In spite of the warning she continued 
her way and married the man she loved. 
"Let come what may," she thought, "I 
will gladly suffer at his hands rather than 
be separated from my love." 

After the last guest had left her home, 
she stole to the vine covered veranda to 
cool her hot cheeks in the evening breeze. 
Since the irrevocable step had been taken 
all her doubts were returning. As she 
stood quietly thinking of what was before 
her, there was a touch upon her arm and 

40 


The Gypsy s Warning 


a voice she had heard before spoke her 
name in low tones. 

''Oh! You here again! Woman, can't 
you see 1 do not believe a word you say? 
I married in spite of you. I would be 
be perfectly happy if it were not for you 
and your awful words." 

"You can never be happy with such a 
man. Some day you will learn that I 
have told you the truth — but I will not 
trouble you again. Here is a vial of 
acid, a secret preparation handed down 
from generations of my race. A few drops 
placed upon a lock will eat it away. I 
give it to you because 1 foresee that you 
will have use for it some day, when you will 
bless my foresight. Keep it concealed from 
your husband, and never leave it out of 
your keeping. Farewell," she concluded, 
then left. 

The Countess, with the tiny vial in her 
hand entered the house. The family no- 
ticed her pale face and weary eyes. When 
they called her attention to her condition 
she made the excuse that she was suffer- 


41 


The Tragedy of Montiville 


ing from the excitement of the day, but 
after a rest would be well. 

Two days later the Count and his wife 
were on their way to the Bosphorus. 
The bride seemed very happy, her ckeeks 
glowed and her eyes sparkled with pleasure, 
for the Count hid from her his true nature, 
having determined to make the best of 
his act. 

When they arrived at Constantinople, 
they secured quarters in the best inn in 
the city. The bride knew not that she 
was to spend many years in sorrow. 


42 


The Unhappy Bnde 


CHAPTER V 

THE UNHAPPY BRIDE 

One moonlight night as Count and 
Countess Montiville were strolling along 
the Bosphorous promenade, they passed a 
couple who were conversing animatedly. 
Count Montiville stopped, then gasped in 
agitation, “My God! Zelma.’' 

“What do you mean?'' asked the Count- 
ess. “Do you mean that lady who just 
passed us and do you know her?" 

“No," he replied, “I thought 1 recognized 
a friend's voice. If you have no objec- 
tions let us return to the hotel." 

“Whatever will please you, Arthur." 

Count and Countess Massell were in 
the parlor when they returned, but 
were so engrossed with each other that 
they did not notice their entrance. The 
Countess Zelma was more beautiful than 
ever, and Count Montiville chose a seat 

43 


The Tragedy of Montiville 


for himself and the Countess in the far end 
of the parlor where he could watch the 
Massells. '‘Arthur, dear,'' asked Countess 
Cecelia, “isn't that the same couple we 
met on the Bosphorus. Isn't the lady 
beautiful?" 

Count Montiville was so engrossed in 
thought that he did not hear his wife's 
words. “Don't you feel well?" she con- 
tinued, alarmed at his strange manner. 
“Had we not better go to our rooms?" 

“Yes," he assented, eagerly, ''you go, 
I will come soon." He wanted to be alone 
and watch for an opportunity to speak to 
the Countess Massell privately. 

He chided himself for allowing Countess 
Massell to marry, but resolved to separate 
her from her husband. Soon he returned 
to his rooms where he found his wife weep- 
ing. At his entrance, she rose, threw her 
arms about his neck, and exclaimed, “Oh 
Arthur, tell me what is the matter! You 
are so pale and nervous. If you are in 
any trouble, let me share it with you. 
You were happy until you saw those people. 

44 


The Unhappy Bride 

Arthur, dear, have they ever done you any 
wrong?"' 

''Do not mention them to me again, un- 
less you want to drive me mad!" he replied. 

"Then you know them. Why did you 
not speak to them?" 

" I will tell you, since you are so curious. 
I hate that man because he stole from me 
the woman I love." The words shocked 
her and she fell to the floor in a faint. Her 
husband did not asssit her, but cruelly 
wished that she might die. When she 
regained consciousness, she moaned; "Why 
did you deceive me? Why did you tell 
me that you loved me? Oh, that I were 
dead, I have loved you so well, better than 
my own life." 

She aroused a feeling of pity within 
him. Placing his arms about her, he 
raised her to her feet, then told her that he 
would try and forget the other woman, 
and suggested that they leave. She kissed 
him again and again in forgiveness. His 
mansion in France had been repaired 

45 


The Tragedy of Montiville 


with his wife's money. She was happy to 
go to a home where she hoped to win his 
love. 


46 


Attempted Crime 


CHAPTER VI 

ATTEMPTED CRIME 

Count and Countess Montiville made 
preparations to leave for home, but Count 
Montiville was determined to see and talk 
with Countess Zelma before he left. His 
opportunity occurred very soon. He and 
Countess Cecelia kept to their apartments 
during the next day, but about nine o'clock 
that night Count Montiville told his wife 
he was going out for a stroll and would soon 
return. 

He finally found the one he was so anxious 
to see, but she was with her husband and 
there seemed no chance of speaking to her 
alone. They were on the veranda apart 
from the crowd. Count Montiville watched 
them for some time, inwardly raging at his 
helplessness. He drew near enough to hear 
some of their conversation, his presence 
unnoticed in the gloom. 

47 


The Tragedy of Montiville 


''Ah, Zelma, dearest, how glad I shall be 
to take you to our home. I am tired of 
wandering,” said Count Massell, tenderly. 

"1, too, am anxious to, be settled in our 
own home, and shall be glad to leave this 
place, although it has been very pleasant 
to be here with you,” answered Countess 
Zelma. 

After a while Count Massell said, " I am 
going in to get a cigar, Zelma. Will you 
mind being alone a moment?” 

"Certainly not, Albert, you need not 
hurry.” 

Count Montiville's heart leaped with 
exultation as he heard the words, and he 
turned his head aside, as his old friend 
passed him, that he might not be rec- 
ognized. As soon as the Count was out 
of sight, he went up to Countess Zelma and 
spoke to her, his voice hoarse with agita- 
tion. "Zelma, won’t you speak to me?” 

She drew back in fear. "How dare 
you, sir!” she cried. Then as she recog- 
nized her husband’s one time friend, she 
continued: " Do you wish to speak to my 

48 


Attempted Crime 


husband, Count Montiville? He will re- 
turn in a moment/' 

''No, no, Zelma, it is you whom I want. 
Tell me, do you not care for me a little? 
1 love you so, I can not live without you. 
Come to me and let me show you how 
I love you," he entreated. 

Zelma's face grew white, and her eyes 
were full of fear as she tried to pass him. 
Count Montiville, reckless of consequences, 
as he saw Countess Zelma about to leave 
him, caught her in his arms and repeatedly 
kissed her lips. Countess Zelma's husband 
returned at this moment and angrily felled 
him to the floor. He arose at once, and 
was recognized by Count Massell, who 
started in surprise. 

"What!" he cried, "So it is you who 
dare insult my wife?" 

"Yes, it is the friend of whom you took 
advantage in order to gain your wife. 
She rightfully belongs to me and 1 shall 
have her yet. Now you have struck me 
and so added that, also, to my account 
against you. That account shall be settled 

49 


The Tragedy of Moniiville 


in full some day. Remember what I say. 
I shall have revenge.’' He left them at 
once. 

''Zelma, are you hurt?” Count Massell 
anxiously inquired of his wife. 

''No, dear, but I fear for you. You 
heard what he said?” 

''He must be insane. Do not fear for 
me, for I can take care of myself, and of 
my wife, too. He shall not escape so easily 
again,” answered Count Massell. 

Count Montiville returned to his rooms. 
His face was flushed with excitement, 
his clothing disheveled, and he was tremb- 
ling with anger. 

Countess Cecelia was lying upon a couch 
when he entered, but she arose at once as 
she noticed his wild appearance. 

"Arthur,” she cried, running to him, 
"you are hurt? There is a red mark upon 
your face. Tell me what has happened 
dear?” 

"Don’t bother me,” he answered, gruffly. 
"Some one tried to rob me, that is all.” 

Countess Cecelia bathed his head, and 

50 


Attempted Crime 


caressed him as much as she dared. She 
was very angry that any one had dared 
harm her dear Arthur. They left early 
in the morning for England. Count Monti- 
ville had laid awake all night planning his 
revenge. 

Upon their arrival in England they went 
at once to the Count's beautiful ancestral 
home near the village of Montiville. The 
old Count had been a very diflferent man 
than his son. Charitable and kindly, he 
had been greatly beloved by the villagers. 

Countess Cecelia was very glad to be at 
home for she hoped to gain her husband's 
love and make him forget the other woman, 
but he became more morose and unpleasant 
to her, until she quite dispaired. 

Her unhappiness was so great that she 
became quite ill. She had been confined 
to her room two weeks before the Count 
came to see her. Countess Cecelia had 
sent for him many times but his valet 
always said that he was busy or was out. 

Countess Cecelia did not recover her 
strength at all, and one day she asked her 

51 


The Tragedy of Montiville 


nurse to call another physician as she 
feared she was going to die. 

Both the Count and his valet were absent 
that day, so a servant was sent for a phys- 
ician, who came very soon. He examined 
her very carefully and asked many ques- 
tions. She suffered no pain, just felt very 
weak, and kept getting worse instead of 
better. 

''Who has been treating you?'' asked 
the physician. 

" Doctor Hurst, of Paris, a friend of my 
husband," Countess Cecelia answered. 

" 1 have never heard of him," said 
Doctor Morgan. "Let me see the medi- 
cine." 

"The medicine has all been taken," 
said the nurse. "Doctor Hurst was to 
call again today." 

"Let him leave medicine, but as you 
value your life. Countess, do not take it. 
Do not let him know that you have called 
me in. Take the medicine 1 shall leave 
you; be very careful, and I am sure you 
will be all right. I wish to see the medi- 

52 


Attempted Crime 


cine he leaves you, remember/' 

'‘Oh, Doctor," poor Cecelia faltered, 
"Do you think I am being poisoned?" 

" I fear so. Countess," he answered. 
"The symptoms of slow poisoning are 
very strong, yet I can not be sure until 
I see the medicine." 

Countess Cecelia was too shocked, too 
prostrated by the awful discovery of her 
husband's hate to answer, and the Doctor 
left her. She knew that her husband, 
only, could be endeavoring to cause her 
death. The warning of the Gypsy returned 
to her now with double meaning. She 
might have avoided her present misery. 

Doctor Hurst called toward evening, 
and seemed surprised to see his patient 
looking better, though she kept her eyes 
closed. 

"How is the patient?" he asked of the 
nurse. 

"Rather better, 1 think, but she is out 
of medicine," was the answer. 

"Ah well, 1 will leave some more pow- 
ders, one of which you may give her every 

53 


The Tragedy of Montiville 


hour. I will not call for a few days unless 
she becomes worse in the meantime.'" 

Doctor Morgan returned the next day, 
and was gratified to find that Doctor Hurst 
had left medicine, which he at once ex- 
amined. ''As 1 thought. Countess," he 
said, "you are being poisoned, and now 
that I have discovered its nature I shall 
be able to give you the proper antidote, 
and soon have you quite well again. But 
you must be very careful.” He proceeded 
to put good medicine in the papers that 
had contained the poison, telling the Count- 
ess and nurse not to let any one know 
they had made a change of physicians. 

To the consternation of her husband and 
Doctor Hurst, Countess Cecelia rapidly 
recovered her health. 


54 


The Hidden Door 


CHAPTER VII 

THE HIDDEN DOOR 

Several months passed in a vain endeavor 
on Countess Cecelia's part to gain her 
husband's love. Her love for him was so 
strong that nothing he would do caused 
her to give up the effort. She had one 
last hope upon which she depended to soften 
his heart. The day came when all was 
quiet in the house, when all, with the ex- 
ception of its master, who remained behind 
the locked door of his library, anxiously 
awaited news from Cecelia's chamber. 

When Count Montiville left his library 
at evening, and was told by the nurse 
that a son had been born to him, he seemed 
much displeased, but when he saw the 
mother, so white and weary, the sweet 
little face beside her, his heart was touched. 
He kissed Countess Cecelia almost tenderly 
and touched the little child softly upon 

55 


The Tragedy of Montiville 
the cheek. 

Countess Cecelia’s face was radiant with 
happiness as she saw the change in the 
one she loved so much. 

''This will last, 1 know it will,” she 
thought, "the child has brought him back 
to me, and together, we will keep him.” 
The change in him did last for a while. 
He came in every day for a few weeks, 
then he ceased to come at all and when 
Cecelia sent for him he returned word 
that he was very busy and she must excuse 
him, and finally he made no excuses at all. 
But now it was not so hard to give him 
up, for she had her baby to love and care 
for, and so lavished all the affection of 
her ardent nature upon the little one. 

The curiousity to know what kept her 
husband in his library so much, finally over- 
came her fear of the consequences if she 
was discovered in the room, and she de- 
termined to know for what purpose he and 
his valet spent so much time there 

One night, little Arthur was taken ill, 
and after sending a servant for a physician. 


The Hidden Door 


Countess Cecelia, leaving the child with 
the nurse, sought her husband. He was not 
in his room, his bed was not disturbed, 
and Cecelia knew at once that if he was 
in the house at all, he must be in his library. 
The door was locked as usual. She called 
his name repeatedly, but there was no 
answer. ''Arthur must have left the house,'' 
thought Cecelia. "Now is my chance to 
discover the secret of this room. If I 
could only open this door. Ah, I know a 
way — the vial the Gypsy gave me." Rush- 
ing back to her room she procured the vial. 
In a moment she had returned, poured a 
few drops of the contents on the lock and 
was soon in the room. It was untenanted 
as she had suspected. Glancing carefully 
around she could see no evidence of any- 
thing unusual. She searched hurriedly 
through a large desk but found nothing of 
consequence. Chagrined at her failure, 
Cecelia stood in doubt, her eyes upon a 
large picture of her husband's father. 
Suddenly a slight sound attracted her 
attention. It came from the direction of 


57 


The Tragedy of Moniiville 


the picture. To her unbounded terror the 
picture swung aside and her husband 
stepped unto the library, his clothing dust 
covered and disordered. 

Countess Cecelia had seen him under the 
influence of anger but never before as he 
appeared now when he discovered her 
presence. His eyes gleamed with hatred 
and menace, and he raised his hand as if 
to strike her. The Countess cowered back 
in terror. 

"'What are you doing here? How did 
you enter?'' he demanded, grasping her 
arm, and dragging her toward the door. 

''Oh, Arthur, listen to me one moment. 
Our child is ill and I was seeking you. 
1 meant no harm. Tell me the secret of 
this room and I will never betray you," 
Cecelia implored. 

"I shall tell you nothing," he answered, 
savagely. "Give me the key with which 
you entered. If you ever repeat this in- 
trusion I shall know what to do with you. 
You shall be put where you can never 
trouble me again. Give me the key." 

58 


The Hidden Door 


''I have no key/' she faltered. 

Count Montiville examined the lock and 
saw how the door had been opened. Over- 
come with anger he turned to his wife. 
''Go to your brat and never trouble me 
again — " He stopped in surprise, for Ce- 
celia was standing erect, her hands clenched, 
her eyes gleaming. 

"Arthur Montiville, you have gone too 
far. How dare you speak so of your own 
child, to me, your wife? I have borne 
your cruel treatment thus far, but 1 shall 
do so no longer. As your wife 1 have the 
right to know why you live behind this 
closed door and, 1 warn you, 1 shall know." 

Countess Cecelia left the room, and 
Count Montiville closed the door and sank 
wearily into a chair. She had always been 
so easily imposed upon by anything he 
had told her that her changed demeanor 
surprised him very much. 

"Since Cecelia has become independent 
all at once, 1 must be more on my guard 
or she may make me trouble." he medi- 
tated. "Well, she shall not interfere with 

59 


The Tragedy of Montiville 


my plans, for I am her master still/' He 
sat quietly for some time thinking the 
matter over, when suddenly a smile ap- 
peared upon his face. ''Why,” he mur- 
mured, "it is very simple after all. I 
need only pretend to love her, she will 
be on her knees to me, and my secret will 
be safe. The silly fool loves me so.” 

In the morning the Count sought Cecelia 
and greeted her pleasantly. In spite of 
her resolutions Cecelia was pleased. He 
put his arms about her, and Cecelia, com- 
pletely won by his kindness, threw both 
arms about his neck and burst into tears. 

"Arthur,” she whispered, "only be kind 
to me and 1 will not care what else you 
do. You can trust me with anything, 
for I will die rather than do you harm.” 

" I am quite willing to tell you all about 
it, Cecelia,” he answered, soothingly. "1 
am working on an invention. There is a 
small room behind the picture where I 
am doing my work away from prying eyes. 
Do not mention it to any one, for I do not 
wish it known.” 


60 


The Hidden Door 


She promised to keep the secret and was 
quite satisfied with his explanation. Ce- 
celia was treated very kindly for several 
months after that, then one night he en- 
tered her room in a very evident state of 
nervousness. He dropped into an easy 
chair and in answer to Cecelia's look of 
surprise said that he had come in for a 
chat before retiring. 

''Are you ill, Arthur?" Cecelia asked 
anxiously. 

"No, no, Cecelia, I am all right; in fact 
1 never felt better." He smiled as he 
answered, and she felt reassured. 

After a half hour had elapsed the sound 
of wheels was heard on the driveway, 
and the Count glanced at Cecelia furtively. 
"I hear wheels, Arthur," she said; "who 
can be coming so late?" 

" 1 hear nothing," he answered ner- 
vously. "You imagine it." He sprang to 
his feet and paced the floor, listening occa- 
sionally. "No, no," he repeated, "you did 
not hear anything. Go to bed now. Good 
night." He kissed her and left the room 
61 


The Tragedy of Montiville 


quietly, but the moment he was outside 
the door, he rushed in an agony of suspense 
to his library. ''Oh, God! have they 
succeeded?'' He cried. Yes, there was his 
valet, Nanippe, and his brother, and upon 
the floor between them lay a figure well 
covered with wraps. 

Count Montiville, trembling with exulta- 
tion, opened the secret door and the two 
men carried the unconscious figure down a 
long passage into a room and placed it 
upon a bed. The three men then returned 
to the library, the brother left to drive the 
cab back to the city, while Count Monti- 
ville and his valet seated themselves to 
discuss the affair. "Well, Nanippe, you 
have done well. Tell me how you managed 
it?" 

"I done just as you told me. Count," 
Nanippe answered. "I found out that 
Count Massell would not be home today, 
so I took a message to his wife that he 
had been injured and wanted her to come 
to him. I had a cab all ready and she 
got right in she was in such a hurry to get 
62 


The Hidden Door 


to the Count. My brother was inside and 
he threw a heavy cloth that had chloro- 
form on it over her head and pretty soon 
she did not know anything, and we brought 
her here. Don't forget the money you 
promised me; I have to pay my brother." 
‘‘Nanippe, you have made me the hap- 
piest man on earth tonight. I have the 
woman 1 love where the man I hate can 
never find her." He took a package of 
money from the safe and handed it to 
Nanippe, who had never seen so large a 
sum at one time before. 

He took the money gratefully. I thank 
you with all my heart, Count, and if ever 
you want me to help you that way again 
let me know." 

Nanippe went to his room and Count 
Montiville to the room he had arranged 
for himself next to the one where his prisoner 
was confined. He wished to be near her 
when she recovered from the effects of 
the chloroform. He had not waited long, 
when he heard a sound from her room. 
Poor Countess Zelma looked in surprise 

63 


Ihe Tragedy of Montiville 


at her strange surroundings. For a mo- 
ment she thought she was dreaming, but 
the memory of what had occurred came 
back to her and she started up in terror. 
She tried the door; she called her husband's 
name repeatedly and when the full realiza- 
tion that she was a prisoner once more 
came to her, she threw herself upon the 
bed with a cry of despair. Count Monti- 
ville heard her cries and opened the door 
and entered, without being heard 
by Zelma, who was weeping bitterly. 
He stood a moment gloating over her 
beauty and helplessness, then he lifted 
her in his arms and kissed her again and 
again, as she struggled fiercely. 

‘'Oh, can it be you, my husband's enemy, 
who has done this wrong?" she moaned. 

“What have you done with Albert? 
have you dared to hurt him?" 

“Well, Zelma, I think he will be hurt 
when he discovers your absence, don't 
you?" 

“Villian! Why have you brought me 
here, what do you mean to do with me?" 

64 


The Hidden Door 


'‘Ah, sweetheart, I love you, and I have 
brought you here that I may tell you so 
every day until you love me in return. 
I cannot live without your love, Zelma."' 

She shrank from him in utter loathing, 
and his eyes darkened at the sight. "Be- 
sides,'" he continued, " I knew what would 
hurt Massell most when I stole you from 
him. I promised to have revenge, you 
remember." 

"You fiend! Poor Albert will go mad!" 
she exclaimed, in agony. 

"Nothing will please me more than that," 
the Count said, smiling. '"Try to be con- 
tented here, and I will do everything in 
my power to make your confinement pleas- 
ant if you will but be reasonable. The 
sooner you learn to love me, the better it 
will be for you." 

"Will nothing move you. Count Monti- 
ville? Oh, when I tell you that I will be 
a mother soon, you will surely let me go. 
Have pity for my child's sake, if not for 
mine!" 

"Not even such hateful intelligence as 

65 


The Tragedy of Montivtlle 


that will induce me to release you. In- 
deed, my revenge will be more complete, 
as I already see the way to bring you to 
my terms. I am going now, Zelma. Here 
upon this table is food and drink and 
you will feel better when you have eaten. 
Good night, sweetheart.'' 


66 


Kidnapped 


CHAPTER VIII 

KIDNAPPED 

Count Massell ran up the steps of his 
beautiful home, impatient to see his wife, 
for he had been away from home all day. 
She did not meet him as was her custom, 
and though he was surprised, yet he ex- 
pected to find her in her own room. Dis- 
appointed in this, he rang the bell and 
inquired of the servant who answered his 
ring, if the Countess was out. ‘‘Why, 
Count Massell!'" the girl exclaimed, in sur- 
prise, “do you not know? Haven't you 
been injured?" 

“What do you mean, girl?" he cried. 
“What has happened?" 

The girl burst into tears and was unable 
to speak for a few minutes. Finally she 
proceeded: “The Countess got a message 
that you had been hurt, and wanted her, 
and she went away in a cab." 

67 


I 


The Tragedy of Montiville 

''I sent no message, and have not been 
hurt. My poor wife has been enticed 
from her home, and I swore to protect her 
always.'' 

He questioned all the servants, but their 
description of the messenger did not throw 
any light upon the matter. He felt sure 
that Monsieur Gerald Launtz had stolen 
her again. A remembrance of the words 
of Count Montiville as he picked himself 
up from the floor on the occasion of their 
encounter in Constantinople, came to 
his mind, but he dismissed it as the 
idle threat of a disappointed man. He 
called at the homes of friends where Zelma 
might have gone, but did not find her, 
and at last employed detectives to aid him 
in the search. He felt sure that if Mon- 
sieur Gerald Launtz could be found that 
they could find Countess Zelma. The de- 
tective went to his home but found that 
he had been absent for some months. 
Finally Monsieur Gerald was discovered 
in the city, and after a careful investiga- 
tion Count Massell was convinced that 


68 


Kidnapped 

he knew nothing of the Countess Zelma's 
whereabouts. 

After several months, the search was 
given up by all but Zelma's husband. 
Since her cousin had been proven guiltless, 
he knew that Count Montiville must be 
the guilty man, for no one else could have 
any motive for such an act. How to prove 
him guilty and discover Zelma's hiding 
place Count Massell knew would be a very 
difficult matter, for Count Montiville was 
a very different type of man from Mon- 
sieur Gerald Launtz. 

The terrible suspense in which he was 
living caused a great change in Count 
Masseirs appearance. His eyes were hag- 
gard, his form grown thin, but he never 
gave up hope of finding his Zelma. Never 
until he lost her, did he realize how much 
he loved her. 

One afternoon. Count Montiville left his 
home to attend to some business, which 
he said would require some time. Count- 
ess Cecelia offered to accompany him but 
he refused to take her with him. For 


69 


The Tragedy of Montiville 


some time now he had been unkind and 
irritable. Cecelia resented his manner and 
her suspicions had been aroused by strange 
sounds she sometimes heard in the quiet 
of the night. Either Count Montiville 
or his valet was always in the house and 
Countess Cecelia had noticed the fact. 
It seemed to her that the Count had had 
ample time to finish any invention he 
might have been engaged upon. Today 
Cecelia felt, as she saw her husband leave 
the house, that if she could contrive a way 
to get the valet out of the house also, 
she would make another effort to solve 
the mystery of the room behind the pic- 
ture. 

''Nanippe,'' she said, ‘‘I need some- 
thing very much from the village, and 
will be glad if you will go for it.'' She 
offered him money for himself. 

The valet did not suspect that the 
Countess knew anything of his master's 
secret, and thinking that he might easily 
go and return without the Count knowing 
anything about it, he took the money she 

70 


Kidnapped 


offered him and started for the village. 

Cecelia secured her vial of acid and 
easily opened the library door. In her 
haste she dropped the bottle upon the 
table and forgot all about it, to her lasting 
regret. She examined the picture care- 
fully, pressing her hand along the side, 
and, finally, touched the right place, 
for the picture swung aside. She looked 
around in surprise for everywhere she 
saw evidences of the Count's occupancy, 
but no sign of an invention of any kind. 
There was another door to the room oppo- 
site the one by which she had entered. 
It was locked, and as she stood in inde- 
cision she heard a voice from the other 
side. ''That is a woman's voice and she 
is praying," thought Cecelia." Oh, God, 
what does this mean?" She rapped sharply 
upon the door and called, "Who is there? 
Answer, quickly!" 

"My prayers have been answered," was 
the joyful cry. 

Then ensued explanations on both sides, 
and Cecelia had just said that she would 

71 


The Tragedy of Moniiville 


run back to the library, secure the acid 
and let the Countess Zelma out, when 
she felt a grasp of iron upon her arm, and 
heard her husband's voice in her ear: 
*'So you wish to be killed, do you! since 
you pry thus into my private affairs?" 
He cursed her, he beat her, choked her 
almost to death, and finally threw her 
across the room where she fell unconscious. 

You shall never see the light of day again," 
he cried, as he left the room, locking her in. 

The valet had returned by this time and 
was shaking with fear, for he saw his master 
had returned, and knew what to expect 
from him. The Count cursed him vehem- 
ently for his negligence and ordered him 
to help prepare a room in which to confine 
the Countess. 

The room was soon ready and they car- 
ried her in and put her upon the bed, 
then left her, locking the door. The Count 
discharged little Arthur's nurse, and, taking 
the child with him drove away from the 
house. He took him to a children's home, 
saying that the mother had suddenly lost 

72 


Kidnapped 

her mind and that he would call for him 
very soon. 

When Countess Cecelia regained con- 
sciousness she was not long in realizing 
her condition, and almost her first thoughts 
were of the Gypsy's prophesy — ''1 see 
you a prisoner." When she remembered 
that she had left the vial of acid in the 
library and there was no other means of 
regaining her liberty, she clasped her hands 
in despair. ‘'He is a cruel wretch!" she 
cried, as she thought of her husband, “to 
treat me so, and 1 have loved him so well 
in spite of all. That poor woman down 
in that secret room! How she has suf- 
fered all these years ! She said that Arthur 
and a doctor had taken her little baby 
away from her almost as soon as it was 
born. And Oh, my little boy! my little 
boy; what will the monster do to you? 
He never loved his child." Cecelia was 
hysterical in her misery. In the days that 
followed, she constantly prayed God to 
protect her child, and seemed almost in- 
sane at times. For three weeks Cecelia 


73 


The Tragedy of Montiville 


saw no one but Nanippe, who brought 
her meals. He always refused to answer 
her when she asked about her boy. Her 
mind was filled with the greatest fore- 
bodings regarding him. 

One day Count Montiville visited his 
wife. She forgot her fear of him in her 
anxiety to know about her child. She 
dropped to her knees in entreaty. ''Arthur, 
Arthur, give me my boy? Oh, if you will 
let me out, I will take him and we will 
never bother you more. Do you remember 
what the Gypsy woman told me? And I 
would not believe that you could be so 
cruel."' 

"Your boy has been taken away and 
you will never see him again. That is 
one of your punishments for meddling in 
my affairs." 

Six months later Countess Cecelia be- 
came a maniac and she was sent to a pri- 
vate sanitarium for the insane. Count 
Montiville was now quite happy; neither 
his wife or child could trouble him more. 


74 


Feigned Friendship 


CHAPTER IX 

FEIGNED FRIENDSHIP 

Count Massell determined to renew the 
old friendship with Arthur Montiville in 
order to gain an entrance to his home, 
that he might watch him more carefully. 

One day Count Montiville was surprised 
by a visit from the man he had so greatly 
wronged. He turned pale when Nanippe 
came in and said that Count Massell wished 
to see him. ''Show him in,” he said, "1 
can manage him.” He thought the Count 
would accuse him of knowing something 
about Countess Zelma, but he was mis- 
taken. In a few minutes he was face to 
face with Count Massell, who looked pale 
and weary. 

"Ah, Arthur, I have heard of your afflic- 
tion and have come to offer you my sym- 
pathy.” 

"Thank you,” answered Count Monti- 
75 


The Tragedy of Montiville 

ville much surprised. ''Yes, my poor 
wife is in a private sanitarium, and I am 
all alone. 

Alone! I thought you had a son,'’ 
said Massell. 

^‘He is with relatives at present." 

“Of course you know, Montiville, that 
I have lost my wife?" said Massell, 
glancing keenly at Montiville as he spoke. 

Montiville noticed the glance and knew 
that he was suspected. "Yes," he an- 
swered, "the newspapers recounted the 
affair very fully at the time. I thought 
her too much in love with you to leave you 
as she did." 

"What do you mean, Montiville?" asked 
Count Massell, his eyes flashing. "You 
know she did not go away of her own ac- 
cord." 

"She has been gone several years, has 
she not?" asked Montiville. 

"Yes," answered Count Massell, sadly, 
"just three years." 

The two men talked some time longer 
upon unimportant matters, then Count 

76 


Feigned Friendship 

Massell left, accepting an invitation to 
come again. 

While they had been talking it had flashed 
into Count Montiville's mind that it would 
be a splendid joke to have Count Massell 
visiting at the house where his wife was a 
prisoner. He wanted to be able to tell 
Countess Zelma that he and her husband 
were friends again. 

Since he had become convinced that 
Countess Zelma would never do otherwise 
than spurn his love, his one wish had been 
to hurt her. He tried to make her think 
that her husband had forgotten her, but 
she would not believe him, for her faith 
in her husband’s love remained unshaken 
through the years of her confinement. 

With the help of his friend. Doctor 
Hurst, Count Montiville had removed the 
little girl, born a few months after Countess 
Zelma’s imprisonemnt, to the children’s 
home, where little Arthur was taken later. 
He had told them to call the girl Lulu and 
the boy Arthur. Poor Zelma wept until 
she could weep no longer. It had been 

77 


The Tragedy of Moniiville 


bad enough when she had been a prisoner 
when a girl, but she had loved no one then. 
Now it was almost death to be away from 
her husband who loved her and whom 
she loved so well. Her dear little girl, 
How her heart went out to her, far away 
from its mother, and the father, who did 
not know he had a child. Count Monti- 
ville had promised that the child should be 
called Lulu and that it would be well cared 
for, but he would not tell her where it 
had been taken. 

Count Montiville spent nearly all his 
time in the room next to Zelma. 

Five years rolled by and Countess Zelma 
was still a prisoner. She never gave up 
the hope of again seeing her husband and 
child, for she felt sure he was searching for 
her still, and that he would find her. 

Little Arthur had grown to be quite a 
large, strong boy, and Count Montiville 
had him brought home, as he was lonely, 
and thought the boy might cheer him. 
Arthur was delighted with his new home 
but often asked his father to bring his 

78 


Feigned Friendship 

little playmate, Lulu, home too. 

The Count knew that the child referred 
to Countess Zelma's little girl, and told 
him that he should see her again some 
time. He was told that his mother was 
dead, and as he could not remember her 
he did not miss her. 

Three more years passed by. Count 
Massell had become a regular visitor at 
the house, and was greatly loved by little 
Arthur, who often spoke to him of his 
friend. Lulu. No evidence that Count 
Montiville knew anything about Zelma 
had been discovered, but Count Massell 
had learned that he had a secret of some 
sort connected with his library. He had 
never been invited to enter there and 
little Arthur often said that he wished his 
father would let him see what he had in 
his room, he had heard some one crying 
there. 


79 


The Tragedy of Montiville 


CHAPTER X 

THE RESCUE 

"'Hark! Papa, did you hear that cry?'' 

"It is nothing but the wind, my boy; 
you must be nervous." 

"But it did not seem to be outside. 
Papa, and I am sure 1 heard a cry." 

Count Montiville scowled angrily at his 
son, excused himself to Count Massell, 
and left the room. Count Massell had 
also heard the cry, and after a moment 
arose and followed the Count. He saw 
Montiville enter the library and close the 
door behind him. He listened, but heard 
no sound, and as the door was locked he 
could not enter. He returned to the 
little boy, who had fallen asleep. 

Count Montiville had told Countess Zelma 
that her husband was often in the house 
and in the hope that he might hear and 
understand, she had screamed. Count Mas- 


The Rescue 


sell felt sure that either Zelma or Count 
Montiville's wife was concealed in the house, 
and that the way led through the library. 
He determined to wait no longer but to 
risk everything at once. 

Count Montiville found him pacing the 
room, his face flushed with excitement. 
''Arthur Montiville, you shall tell me who 
you have concealed in this house. I am 
convinced that you know where my wife 
is. 1 have come here, not as your friend, 
but as your most implacable enemy. If 
you have harmed my darling wife, I shall 
kill you like the dog that you are.'' 

Count Montiville smiled sarcastically as 
he answered: "So you have sneaked into 
my house like any common thief. For- 
tunately, I have no secret to lose, so you 
have gained nothing. I have not thought 
of your wife since you married her." 

"No, Count Montiville, I have not for- 
gotten that night at Constantinople, when 
you swore revenge." 

"It was then that I learned you were 
married," answered Count Montiville. 

81 


The Tragedy of Montiville 

‘'Now, if you have finished, leave my house 
and never enter it again/' 

“ I am going, but you have not seen the 
last of me, remember," said Count Mas- 
sell, as he left the house. 

Count Montiville was not so sure of the 
safety of his secret as he had pretended. 
He rang, and his valet answered. He told 
Nanippe what had occurred, and asked 
him what he thought of it. “1 don't 
believe he knows a thing," was the an- 
swer. “He probably suspects something 
and was trying to bluff you." 

“Well," said the Count, “we will at 
least be on our guard. Allow no one to 
enter the house without my permission." 

After the conversation with Count Monti- 
ville, Massell vowed that he would search 
the house for his wife. He would use some 
strategy and run any risk. The cry he 
had heard, rang in his ears, and the more 
he thought of it, the more convinced he 
became that his Zelma was in Montiville's 
house. He secured a number of skeleton 
keys, disguised himself, and one night 
82 


The Rescue 


presented himself at Montiville's door. 
He told the valet who opened the door 
that he was traveling through the country 
and desired the privilege of remaining over 
night, but was informed that he would 
have to proceed as the Count never ad- 
mitted strangers. Count Massell proceeded 
some distance, then returned and waited 
until the house was dark and all was still. 
He had no difficulty in entering the house, 
and even the library was easily entered. 
He knew he could get no further with his 
keys, that he must conceal himself and 
watch Count Montiville, in order to dis- 
cover the place where Zelma was kept. 

He had been concealed perhaps an hour 
when Count Montiville and his valet 
entered the room. They seated them- 
selves and Nanippe told of the man who 
had asked admittance. The Count seemed 
troubled. ''Be very careful, Nanippe, for 
we can not tell who is a spy and who a 
friend. Are you positive he is not about 
the place? You had better make a search, 
anyway.'' 


83 


The Tragedy of Montiville 


''I am sure he was only a tramp, Count, 
but I will look to satisfy you/' 

While his valet was gone Count Monti- 
ville glanced nervously around the room, 
and Massell expected to be discovered, 
but the valet soon returned and reported 
no one around. Neither had thought of 
searching the room. 

''I am nervous tonight, Nanippe," said 
the Count. ''I feel as though something 
is about to happen." 

''That is on account of the stranger. 
Count; don't let it worry you any more. 
Have a drink and you will feel better." 

The two drank and talked for some 
time longer, and Count Massell learned 
from their conversation that his wife was 
a prisoner in a room near them. 

"Yes," thought Count Massell, exult- 
ingly, "something is going to happen 
tonight, Arthur Montiville. I shall rescue 
my Zelma, and you, you fiend, shall die!" 
He felt that his patience would not last 
much longer, and very soon, to his great 
relief, Nanippe arose, said "Good Night," 

84 


The Rescue 


and reeled out of the room. His condition 
was such that he would probably sleep 
very soundly for some time, which Count 
Massell felt would be much to his advantage. 

Montiville locked the door after his 
valet, and turned at once to the picture, 
closely watched by Count Massell. He 
pressed the ornament on the side, the 
secret door opened, and he stepped inside, 
closing the door after him. Count Massell 
soon followed, and when he came to Count 
Montiville’s door and found it locked, he 
listened a moment, then rapped softly. 

'Hs that you, Nanippe? What do you 
want?'' 

“Open the door quickly. Count. I have 
something to tell you," answered Count 
Massell, imitating the valet's voice. 

As Count Montiville opened the door, 
Massell sprang into the room, revolver in 
hand. Montiville turned ashen pale and 
rushed to his desk to secure his weapon. 

“Stop! or I shall fire, you villian! I 
am going to kill you, but not until you 
have shown me where my wife is." 

85 


The Tragedy of Montiville 


Countess Zelma recognized her husband's 
voice and rushed to the door that sepa- 
rated them. She beat upon it wildly 
with her hands. ''Oh, Albert, my hus- 
band, 1 am in here. Burst the door, that 
I may come to you. For God's sake 
hurry!" 

Count Massell staggered back as he 
heard his wife's voice, and afforded Count 
Montiville an opportunity to secure his 
revolver, who turned instantly and shot 
at Massell. The bullet struck Massell in 
the side and he fell, but he had first dis- 
charged his weapon at Count Montiville. 
Count Montiville fell heavily to the floor, 
dead. Though Count Massell was stunned, 
he soon arose and called to his wife that 
he would soon be with her. 

He searched Count Montiville's pockets 
for keys, and finding them he tried to un- 
lock the door. He tried several without 
finding the right one, and felt that he would 
die if he did not soon succeed. The blood 
was gushing from the wound in his side 
and he was becoming weaker every moment. 

86 


The Rescue 


Countess Zelma on the other side was 
nearly frantic at the delay. He found 
the right key at last, and was just able 
to turn it in the lock as he sank to his 
knees and then to the floor. Count Mas- 
sell thought himself dying, and his last 
conscious thought was a cry of agony. 
‘‘After all these years I am not to see my 
darling's face!" cried Zelma, as she threw 
herself upon him and clasped him in her 
arms, gazing upon his face with eyes that 
had hungered for the sight in vain, for many 
years. She glanced with loathing at the 
still form of her enemy. 

“Oh, Albert! has he killed you?" she 
cried, kissing her husband's lips. 

Springing to her feet she secured wine 
from the table and forced some of the 
liquor between his lips. In a few mo- 
ments Count Massell revived and was 
able to sit up. He found, however, that 
he was too weak to stand. 

After the first rapture of their reunion 
was over, he said, “I have found you, 
but 1 may be unable to save you after all, 

87 


The Tragedy of Montiville 


Zelma. If the valet comes and discovers 
us, 1 can not, in my weakness, defend 
you. If my strength does not return to 
me soon, w^e may not be able to leave this 
place.'' 

Count Massell was not dangerously in- 
jured but was weak from loss of blood. 

do not think that the valet will come 
here for some time," answered Zelma. 
‘'Lie down and rest a while and I will try 
to bind the wound better. You will be 
strong enough for us to leave by daylight, 
I am sure." 

Massell did as she directed and while 
he rested she told him about her imprison- 
ment, that she had never faltered in her 
loyalty to him, and last of all, she told 
him, with tears, of their little child, Lulu^ 
who had been born there and taken from 
her. 

“ Monti ville's little boy, Arthur, often 
spoke of his little friend Lulu. Do you 
suppose, Zelma, it could have been our 
child? Oh, that we were out of here, 
that we could begin to search for her at 
88 


The Rescue 


once/' 

After she had finished her recital there 
was still so much for him to tell of his own 
life that the time passed very quickly. 
When he saw by his watch that it was 
near morning, he declared that he would 
not remain inactive another moment. When, 
with Zelma's help, he reached the door, 
he looked back at his silent enemy and 
said to her, ''His death was too merciful 
a punishment for all that he made you 
suffer, my poor girl." 

Zelma answered with a shudder, "I can 
not tell you how glad 1 am that he is help- 
less to injure me any more. No tongue 
can tell what a wretch he was." 

They passed through the library and 
out of the house without molestation, 
and for the first time in many years Count- 
ess Zelma breathed the air of freedom. 
How happy she was to be with her husband 
once more! They gazed at each other in 
rapture as they walked slowly to the village 
which was not far away. They decided 
to remain there until Count Massell regained 

89 


The Tragedy of Montiville 

his strength, hoping to discover some- 
thing in the meantime regarding their child. 
Zelma told her husband that she had placed 
her gold chain and locket around the little 
one's neck, hoping that it might some day 
prove a means of identification 

Count Montiville's body was discovered 
by his valet, carried to his library, and 
the secret door closed. People were made 
to believe that he had killed himself, and 
he was buried, unloved and unmourned. 
The house was put in the care of an elderly 
man and woman, who had been servants 
of Count Montiville's parents, and little 
Arthur was placed in school. 

Before Nanippe left the place. Count 
and Countess Massell had an interview 
with him, and tried to secure some in- 
formation regarding their child. He said 
that Doctor Hurst, who might have told 
them all about it, was dead, and that he 
himself knew very little. ''The little girl 
is the one Arthur used to talk so much 
about," he said, "but where she is now, 
I don't know, for she was taken from the 

90 


The Rescue 


home long ago/' 

They felt that the man was telling the 
truth and so allowed him to leave them. 
They visited all the childrens' homes near; 
after making fruitless inquiries at the home 
where the children had been taken. Nowhere 
could they find any trace of their daughter, 
and finally went to their own home, sad- 
dened by their failure. They advertised 
for her often, in the years that followed, 
and never entirely despaired of finding 
her some time. 

One afternoon, six years after Countess 
Zelma's release, she and her husband were 
seated in their beautiful home, discussing 
their daughter, her probable appearance 
and nature. Count Massed was sure that 
she would resemble her mother. A servant 
entered and said that a young girl who 
gave the name of Lulu Manden wished 
to speak to them. He was told to show 
her in, and they waited eagerly for the 
girl's appearance. Presently the young 
girl entered, and was gazed upon by eyes 
eager to trace in her face some resemblance 

91 


The Tragedy of Montiville 


to themselves. '‘It is your face as I saw 
it first, Zelma,'' whispered Count Massell, 
"but we must make no mistake.^' 

Her eyes and hair were dark, her voice 
soft and gentle. She was not tall, but her 
manner was dignified and well bred. "You 
wish to see us?'’ asked Count Massell, 
offering her a seat. Zelma was too agitated 
to speak. 

"Yes," she answered, "I wish to tell 
you about myself and ask you to solve 
my doubts. May I tell you, please?" 
The girl gazed at Countess Zelma while 
she spoke, for she seemed to see something 
in her face that attracted her. Zelma, 
unable to speak, inclined her head. "Until 
I was nine or ten years old," she continued, 
"I lived in a children's home. I can re- 
member nothing before that. Then I was 
adopted by Mrs. Manden and have lived 
with her since, about seven years, I think. 
I have often noticed your advertisement 
in the papers, and have wondered, since 
my name is Lulu, and I was taken from 
a home, if it might be possible I belonged 

92 


The Rescue 


to you. Oh!'' she exclaimed, glancing from 
Zelma to the Count, '‘what happiness if 
you were my mother, and you my father." 

Countess Zelma started forward, but the 
Count restrained her a moment longer. 
"Was there nothing you retained that 
might help to identify you?" he asked. 

"Yes," she answered, "I quite forgot it. 
I have always worn this chain and locket 
and I have heard that it was around my 
neck when I was taken to the home." 

Count Massell examined the trinket 
carefully, and recognized it as the one 
he had given Zelma at Constantinople. 
All doubts were removed, and they took 
the long lost daughter to their hearts 
with love that had waited long for ex- 
pression. 

Every moment they saw some new beauty 
in her, some trait that showed themselves. 
They showed her Arthur's picture and 
asked her if she remembered him. "Oh, 
yes," she answered, gazing at the picture 
in delight. "It is my little playmate, 
Arthur. 1 never knew his other name. 


93 


The Tragedy of Montiville 

Do you know him, and will I see him again?'' 

''He is at school now," answered Count 
Massell, "but he will spend his vacation 
with us. Arthur is a fine boy, quite unlike 
his father." 

Lulu was given instructors to complete 
her education. Not a wish of hers was 
left ungratified, for her father and mother 
had no thought but to make her life as 
happy as possible. While they grieved 
over the lost years, yet they tried to turn 
their thoughts to the future, and to forget 
the bitter past. 

Arthur Montiville spent his vacation 
with the Massells, who loved him like a 
son. The two young people resumed the 
friendship that had been so rudely inter- 
rupted during their childish years. 


The Fate of Justice 


CHAPTER XI 

THE FATE OF JUSTICE 

The -Countess Cecelia was given treat- 
ment for her malady at the institute where 
she was confined. When first taken there 
she had been violent at times, seeming to 
imagine that those about her were trying 
to hurt her, but later the form of her in- 
sanity changed. She became the most 
gentle of patients, sitting for hours at a 
time rocking an imaginary child in her 
arms, singing softly the sweetest of lulla- 
bys. Then again she played childish games 
with a visionary child whom she called her 
precious little Arthur. The most hardened 
attendants felt compassion for her in her 
sad state, and did everything possible to 
make her comfortable. Her husband called 
to see her once or twice, but she did not 
know him. 

One night Cecelia had a dream which 

95 


The Tragedy of Moniiville 


frightened her into an illness. She saw 
her husband shoot at another man. She 
saw him shot by the man and killed, and 
knew that she was free from the man who 
had made her life one long agony. Her 
mind was not entirely clear after her illness, 
but she had hours in which she experienced 
rational thought. At such times she in- 
quired eagerly for her boy, but fiever asked 
for her husband. After Cecelia had been 
in the institution many years, she awoke 
one morning to sanity, to a remembrance 
of all that* had occurred. She did not 
know what place she was in or why she 
was there. The attendant told her as 
gently as possible that she had been insane, 
that her husband who had placed her there 
was dead by his own hand. ‘'No! no!"' 
cried Cecelia, “he was shot by another 
man. I saw it all in a dream, and I know 
it is true.'' 

“It was only a dream, remember," 
warned the attendant. 

“Or a vision," said Cecelia. “But since 
he is dead I have nothing to fear and may 

96 


The Fate of Justice 


return to my home at once” 

''Your boy is now a young man, you 
know. I have heard that he has left col- 
lege and is expected to open the Montiville 
home soon."' Countess Cecelia was im- 
patient to leave, but the physicians induced 
her to remain some time longer, until she 
was quite sure of herself. 

She sent no word to her son for she 
wished to go home unattended and un- 
known. She passed through the village 
near the Montiville estate in a closed car- 
riage. On the road between the village 
and her home, she noticed many groups 
of people in holiday attire. The bells were 
ringing merrily, and she wondered what it 
all meant. Finally she stopped the car- 
riage and asked the meaning of the de- 
monstration. She was told that the young 
Count, Arthur Montiville, was expected 
with his bride, that they were very happy, 
as the young Count was like his grand- 
father, and not like his father, who had 
driven his wife insane by his cruelty. 
Cecelia’s heart sank at the news of her 
97 


The Tragedy of Montiville 


son's marriage. ‘‘Have I found my son," 
she thought, “only to give him up to 
another woman? But no, I will love his 
wife so well that she must love me a little 
in return." 

Driving on to the house. Countess Cecelia 
alighted, and with trembling hands rang 
the bell. A woman whom she had never 
seen opened the door. “I am the Count- 
ess Cecelia," she faltered, with white lips; 
for the sight of the place brought back all 
the wretched past to her mind. 

The woman stared at her in surprise. 
“Countess Cecelia died many years ago," 
she said. 

“No! no!" answered Cecelia, “but allow 
me to enter and rest, and perhaps I can 
convince you of my identity." 

“But the young Count is expected soon 
with his bride, and may not be pleased if 
I let a stranger in at such a time." 

“1 will remain here in the hall, and I 
am sure that he will not be displeased. 
You are quite right to be so thoughtful." 

She was allowed to enter, then made 

98 


The Fate of Justice 


every effort to convince the woman that 
she was indeed Count Arthur's mother, 
and finally succeeded. She asked many 
questions, and found that her son had dis- 
covered, on his return from college, the 
secret rooms and had had them walled up 
The library was now a bright, cheerful 
room, with no mystery about it. 

On this day the house was especially 
bright by sunshine and flowers. Her own 
rooms had been kept as she had left them, 
and she changed her traveling gown for 
one more suitable for the occasion. Her 
hair had become quite white, and her 
form had grown thinner, but she was still 
a beautiful woman. Her son would have 
no cause to be ashamed of his mother. 

When Cecelia heard the sound of wheels 
she turned pale, and her heart almost 
stopped beating, but she went bravely 
to the door and stood waiting to welcome 
the tall young man and winsome girl, who 
were alighting from the carriage. ''Wel- 
come, my son!" she said, extending her 
arms to him. "I am your mother, who 

99 




The Tragedy of Montiville 


was as one dead, but is now alive again/' 

Arthur gazed a moment in surprise and 
doubt, then sprang forward and clasped 
his mother in his arms. ''My mother! 
my own dear mother!" he cried. "This 
is happiness almost too great to be be- 
lieved. You are quite well again, dear 
mother?" he asked. "I thought you dead 
until a few days ago, when my foster 
father. Count Massell, told me your his- 
tory." 

"Ah, Arthur, such a terrible thing for 
a son to be told. But do not hate your 
father for it," she entreated. 

"Dear mother," Arthur said, "Lulu and 
I will try and make the rest of your life 
happy. I know Lulu, too, will love you." 

They grew to love Cecelia more each 
day, for she was always gently and loving. 
Count Arthur sent an invitation to Lulu's 
father and mother. Count and Countess 
Massell, to spend the summer with them. 
During the visit many things were ex- 
plained that had before been a mystery 
to them. 


100 


Tie Fate of Justice 


Their lives became quiet and uneventful 
until, on the anniversary of their mar- 
riage, Count Arthur and his wife gave a 
grand reception to celebrate the event. 
Count and Countess Massell arrived sev- 
eral days before the event in order to 
assist in the preparations. The evening 
arrived, and the brilliantly lighted and 
beautifully decorated mansion was filled 
with guests. All seemed to be harmony 
and happiness, when a pistol shot rang 
out, startling the guests in the midst of 
their laughter. Suddenly Countess Zelma 
rushed into the room, and gazed anxiously 
around for her husband, who hurried to 
her at once. ''Zelma, dearest, what has 
happened?'" he cried. 

She threw herself into his arms. "Oh, 
Albert! Save me! Gerald is here!" she 
exclaimed fearfully, then fainted. 

"Arthur!" cried Count Massell, "call 
the servants and search the house." 

He carried his wife to her room, followed 
by Lulu and Countess Cecelia. Count 
Massell lay Zelma upon the bed and turned 
101 


The Tragedy of Montiville 

quickly at a cry from Cecelia. Count 
Massell, look, here is a man upon the 
floor!’’ 

A man lay outstretched in front of the 
dressing table, a revolver in his hand. 
Count Massell leaned over to examine his 
features, and at once recognized Monsieur 
Gerald Launtz, who was removed to the 
village and placed in the custody of the law. 

When Countess Zelma revived, she re- 
lated what had occurred. She had become 
weary and had gone to her room intending 
to rest. When she entered the room she 
discovered a man leaning over a dressing 
table, who turned at the sound of her 
entrance. She was too much frightened 
to move and before she could scream, he 
had his hand over her mouth. Zelma 
tried to draw away from him, and in the 
struggle the revolver which he held in his 
hand was discharged, and he fell to the 
floor. As soon as she was released, she 
had rushed away to find her hsuband. 

Monsieur Gerald Launtz died next day, 
after making a full confession. He ex- 


The Fate of Justice 


pressed great regret for his wasted life, 
but declared that he had not been in 
Zelma’s room for the purpose of kidnapping 
her, as they had believed, but to secure 
her jewels and money. Nanippe, the former 
valet of Arthur's father, met him at a 
time when he had squandered everything, 
and was desperate. Nanippe had heard 
of the projected ball at Count Montiville's 
mansion, and proposed, that since he knew 
the premises well, they make an effort to 
secure enough money to tide them over 
the summer at least. 

Arrived at the house, Nanippe described 
the location of the rooms, and insisted 
that Monsieur Gerald should enter the 
house and get what he could, while, he 
himself, watched outside. When he heard 
the shot and later saw Monsieur Gerald 
carried away, he knew at once that some- 
thing serious had happened, and he hurried 
away. He left the country soon after, 
and never returned. 

There was no reason now why Count- 
esses Zelma and Cecelia should not be 


103 


The Tragedy of Montiville 


happy, since everyone who had ever made 
them trouble was out of the way. They 
grew to love each other like sisters, and spent 
the remainder of their lives in contentment. 

The End. 


104 



PRESS OF 

THE ABCHEB PRINTING CO. 

Fort Wayne, Ind. 



























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JUN 12 1905 


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Deacidified using the Bookkeeper process. 
Neutralizing Agent: Magnesium Oxide 
Treatment Date: 



PRESERVATION TECHNOLOGIES. INC. 
111 Thomson Park Drive 
Cranberry Twp., PA 16066 
(412)779-2111 







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